“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and thought my world had fallen apart"

8 March 2018

For the first time, Tesco colleagues are sharing their stories on Mother’s Day cards to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Available in selected stores across the UK, the cards highlight how colleagues have been personally affected by cancer, and why they take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

The series of women-only 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding crucial research. 14p from every card sold will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Tesco is a proud partner and sponsor of Race for Life, with 2018 marking the 17th year Tesco has supported the activity, raising over £40m for charity since the partnership began.

Sandra Petrie (pictured above, second left) and Kerry Coles are two Tesco colleagues who have shared their experiences on the Mother’s Day cards this year.

Sandra, who works in Tesco’s Aberdeen Extra store and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, said:

“With the support of my friends Pam, Maureen and Jackie we give back by fundraising as much as we can. One way every year is to take part in Race for Life and this is something we will continue to do as they themselves have lost family and friends to cancer. By telling my story on the Mother’s Day cards hopefully we can continue raising awareness. The life-saving work that Cancer Research UK does helped me and is continuing to help others who are diagnosed with cancer.”

Kerry, who works in Tesco’s Loughborough Extra store and has raised a staggering £10,000 for Cancer Research UK, said:

“The reason I want to share my story is because, although I have lost loved ones to this disease, the money that has been raised over the years has increased survival and over the last 40 years it has doubled. Knowing my story will be on the cards fills me with pride.”

Jane Lawrie, Tesco Group Communications Director, said:

“By featuring our colleagues’ stories on our Mother’s Day cards, we hope to support those affected by the disease and help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, so a big thank you to everyone who buys a card.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The cards are priced between £2-£3 and are on sale in 400 Tesco stores until 12 March. They are designed by Hallmark.

Sandra Petrie’s story

Sandra said:

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and thought my world had fallen apart. It is something you never want to hear. I started chemotherapy and radiotherapy and fortunately my cancer responded well to the treatment. I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends and family. I know if it wasn't for the work of Cancer Research UK it might have been a different story. The charity funds research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer which helps save millions of lives.

“With the support of my friends Pam, Maureen and Jackie we give back by fundraising as much as we can. One way every year is to take part in Race for Life and this is something we will continue to do as they themselves have lost family and friends to cancer.

“By telling my story on the Mother’s Day cards hopefully we can continue raising awareness. The life-saving work that Cancer Research UK does helped me and is continuing to help others who are diagnosed with cancer.”

Kerry Coles' story

Kerry has lost relatives and friends to cancer, and knows that supporting Cancer Research UK to help beat over 200 types of cancer by taking part in Race for Life each year can make a real difference. Over the years, Kerry has raised a staggering £10,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Kerry said,

“23 years ago, after a short illness, my mum passed away aged 45. I was 17 at the time.

“My mum didn't really talk about her illness to any of her family, as I think she thought everything would have been fine and she didn't want her family to worry about her. All we could do was be there for her when she needed us.

“Towards the end she was being cared for at Cransley Hospice in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Before that day, cancer hadn't affected any of our family and it came as a huge shock.

“Over the last 23 years, many family and friends have since been affected. Some have lost the fight, others are still fighting and some have been given the all clear.

“The reason I want to share my story is because, although I have lost loved ones to this disease, the money that has been raised over the years has increased survival and over the last 40 years it has doubled. Knowing my story will be on the cards fills me with pride.

“When I first took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life back in 2001 at Sixfields Stadium in Northampton, I knew that this was my chance to do something for an amazing cause as well as keeping my Mum's memory alive. So I vowed for as long as I am able, to raise as much money and awareness as I can to help find a cure sooner.”

About Race for Life

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding life-saving research.

Race for Life is the UK’s largest fundraising event series with over 300 events around the UK.

Women and girls of all ages and abilities from all over the UK join together to raise money to help beat over 200 types of cancer affecting men, women and children.

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK receives no funding from the UK government for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on vital donations from the public.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

In January Tesco announced a new charity partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK to help tackle the nation’s biggest health challenges.

The five year partnership will bring together the skills and expertise of the charities and Tesco to help lower the risk of heart and circulatory disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

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